About us
"What we desire for ourselves,
we wish for all."
When workers unite in a union, our voice is strong. And when our unions join together into an organization, our voice is even stronger. That’s the BC Federation of Labour (BCFED), made up of unions representing over 500,000 working people throughout British Columbia.
The BCFED advocates for union and non-union workers alike, in every sector of our economy. We take our inspiration from our slogan, “What we desire for ourselves, we wish for all.” Standing together and speaking with one clear voice is how we win victories for working people in BC.
We’re a member of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC), and work with them to advance the interests of working people across the country and around the world.
Building solidarity
The BCFED helps ensure the labour movement speaks up for working people with a strong, united voice. Here are some of the ways we do that:
- coordinating solidarity among all of BC’s unions during workplace disputes such as strikes and lockouts, so each of us is that much stronger
- supporting unions’ organizing efforts with training and coordination
- with our partners, educating and training workers in fields like occupational health and safety
- developing consensus and shared positions on crucial issues, and speaking out on behalf of the BC labour movement
- advocating with governments for changes that put workers front and centre, around everything from workplace safety rules to budgets and economic policy
- sharing policy knowledge and expertise with affiliate unions and community allies
- supporting labour’s work toward Reconciliation and equity
- pooling resources, and coordinating and running campaigns on the issues that matter most to working people.
On this page
Our strength comes from our solidarity. When we stand together, we win. When we speak with one clear, united voice, we win. When working people stick with each other no matter what, there's nothing we can't accomplish.
— Hermender Singh Kailley
Winning victories for working people
In recent years, we’ve helped lead successful campaigns to make life better for working people, on the job and in the community. Here are just some of them:
- paid sick leave
- the highest minimum wage of any province
- much-needed improvements to workers' compensation
- single-step certification for workers who want to join a union
- apprenticeship and trades certification
- historic investments in training
- returning health workers to the public health care system
- paid leave for people experiencing intimate partner violence
- pay transparency
And we’re keeping up the fight — for good secure well-paying jobs, better support for injured workers, urgent action to address the climate emergency, reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, pay equity, basic labour protections for gig workers, closing the gap between the minimum wage and the living wage, and much more. Learn more about some of the issues we're working on.
Our team
Every two years, delegates from our affiliated unions gather at our convention where they debate and decide policy and elect the BCFED leadership as well as equity representatives.
Between conventions, our executive council—made up of the leaders of our affiliated unions along with our elected leadership and equity reps—meets four times a year to deal with major issues as they arise.
BCFED officers, who include the leaders of our largest affiliated unions as well as the BCFED president and secretary-treasurer, meet roughly monthly to conduct routine business.
And our staff, including members of MoveUP and USW 2009, conduct the day-to-day work of the BCFED as well as supporting and advising the federation, our caucuses and our standing committees.
Constitution
The Constitution and Bylaws of the BC Federation of Labour set out the purpose of the BCFED and establish the rules that govern our organization. They can be amended at our biennial convention of the membership of the BCFED.
You can download the constitution here.
Standing committees
BCFED's standing committees advance the work of the labour movement. Each committee is made up of representatives appointed by affiliate unions, and focuses on a key area.
They consult with their affiliate unions as well as allies and communities; discuss and develop policies and recommendations, advising the officers and executive council; organize events; review resolutions for our biennial convention; and help shape the BCFED's direction.
Conventions
The BC Federation of Labour holds a convention every other year. BCFED conventions are an important opportunity for members to shape and inform the direction of the organization, pass resolutions, set policy and build campaigns for the coming years.
Talk to your local union representative about how to become a delegate to a BCFED convention.
- Convention 2024 Summary of Proceedings
- Convention 2022 Summary of Proceedings
- Convention 2020 Summary of Proceedings
- Convention 2018 Summary of Proceedings
- Convention 2016 Summary of Proceedings
- Convention 2014 Summary of Proceedings
- Convention 2012 Summary of Proceedings
- Convention 2010 Summary of Proceedings
Job postings
We don't have any positions open right now, but keep checking back!!
Partner organizations
BC Centre for Women in the Trades
Creating opportunities in the trades: The BC Centre for Women in the Trades (BCCWITT) works to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive skilled trades industry, where all feel welcome, healthy, respected and safe.
BCFED Health & Safety Centre
Skills and training to keep workplaces safe: The BCFED Health & Safety Centre provides health and safety education and resources to prevent workplace injury and illness.
BC Labour Heritage Centre
Telling workers' stories: The BC Labour Heritage Centre preserves, documents and presents the rich history of working people in British Columbia, from the earliest days of our movement to our most recent struggles and victories.
BC FORUM
Staying connected after retirement: The BC Federation of Retired Union Members (BC FORUM) represents thousands of retired and active workers from unions affiliated with the BC Federation of Labour.
Canadian Labour Congress
The national voice for workers: The Canadian Labour Congress is Canada's largest labour organization, bringing together unions, federations of labour and labour councils to represent more than three million workers across the country.
500,000+
UNION MEMBERS REPRESENTED BY THE BCFED
Almost one in three workers is represented by a union in every part of the BC economy, through more than 50 affiliated unions with over 800 locals. Want to become one of them? Learn how!